They would start
on the following morning from Beaurain, and would be accompanied
by Conrad, who desired to come to Eu to pay his respects to the
duke.
Although it had been certain that Conrad would not venture to refuse
the command of his powerful over-lord, Wulf and Beorn were greatly
delighted to hear that Harold and his companions had at once been
released from their imprisonment, and that they would so speedily
arrive at Eu. In the afternoon of the following day a messenger
arrived stating that the cavalcade was but an hour's ride away, and
preparations were at once made to receive it with all honour. The
garrison of the castle in their bravest attire lined the courtyard,
hangings brought from Rouen were disposed round the walls of the
great hall, two chairs of state were placed on the dais, the
men-at-arms who had come from Rouen were drawn up on either side
of the great entrance, and here William with his nobles assembled
when the cavalcade approached the castle.
The procession was headed by the Norman men-at-arms of Fitz-Osberne
and Warren. After them rode Conrad of Ponthieu with Harold by his
side. Both carried hawks on their wrists, and were, apparently, on
the most amiable terms. Behind them rode Harold's brother and nephew
and the two Norman barons; they were followed by the Saxon thanes
and the officers of the count's household. Behind these came on
foot the Saxons of inferior degree who had been left at St.
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